Going Marie's Crisis: yay or nay?

[reginula]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 12:28am

Several friends have told me to visit Marie's Crisis when visiting New York, for it is a great place for theatre lovers. I love the idea of singing along to Broadway songs who love them as much as I do!

But then, I've also read many, MANY reviews about how it often is an unpleasant experience, for a bartender and a bouncer are very rude, yelling at you for your order as soon as you step in, asking you to keep on spending on drinks, and demanding crazy tips–and humiliating you if you don't deliver. Also, big crowds on weekend nights, but that's not really an issue for it sounds obvious. 

For those who visit that spot often, is there a way to make it a more pleasant experience –maybe what's the best time to visit (day and time, even if the vibe is not as electric as a Saturday night)– to avoid something that ruins an evening, or even how much the lady everyone mentions expects as a tip to avoid being yelled at? I really want to go there, but now I'm even afraid to go. Should I avoid it altogether? 

 

[j.garcia]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 12:56am

If you know what to expect going in, it’s a very fun time. I’ve never experienced any of those nightmare scenarios you mentioned, but I can also see how their particular brand of humor at Marie’s could easily get misinterpreted.

To avoid crowds, go on a weeknight. I prefer Wednesday as I like the pianists who are on and it’s not nearly as crazy as a weekend crowd. Happy hour is from 6-9 weeknights and well drinks are $3. Cash bar only, so be sure to visit the ATM and have plenty of singles for tipping. The bartender will expect a standard $1 per drink. There’s a tip jar on the piano and if you request a song you better be tipping. Also, about once an hour or so there will be a soloist who performs something and then passes around the tip jar for the pianist, you should be throwing a little something in there each time it comes around.

Marie’s is definitely a lot of fun, everyone gathered around a piano in a musty basement bar screaming out Little Shop or Rent. Brush up on your lyrics, the more you know the more fun you’ll have!

[Skip23]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 7:34am

I always tip $1 per drink so I’ve never had a problem.

Just make sure you buy at least one drink. Nurse it all night or at least keep a little drink in your glass and no one can say you aren’t drinking. And tell them, if a waitress asks, that you are still drinking.

But I’ve never had anyone force me to drink there.

I like Wed too (Kenny is usually playing and he’s a bit more esoteric in his song choices).

But Thurs is good too.

Yes, Fri and Satt are more crowded with more bridge and tunnel crowds, but go anyway. You will always be able to sing your Broadway fangirl heart out!




 

Updated On: 7/30/18 at 07:34 AM

[BuddyStarr]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 8:03am

As Kenny (my favorite) who plays piano on Wednesday and Friday night says. (paraphrasing) Remember: Marie's Crisis is a GAY bar.  We welcome you in to enjoy and have fun but if you want to talk to your friend about what you did this week go elsewhere.  This is a place for people to sing and listen to others sing.

[Wick3]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 9:20am

I think it's a great place to visit at least once for theatre lovers. First off, remember there is a one drink minimum and it is CASH only! Like others have said, bring cash and and make sure to tip the pianist and bartender/waiter... norm is $1 per drink. When requesting a song, tipping $1 is fine but if you want the song to be the next song played, tip $10 or even $20. I've seen people tip $40 to the pianist just to hear a song played next since they have to leave soon. 

When I used to go more frequently over 10 years ago, they would sing literally most if not all the songs from one musical. Nowadays I feel they just sing 2-3 songs per musical and then move on but I guess it really depends on the pianist. 

I agree with the other poster that this place is really a group sing-along type piano bar. If you wish to talk about your weekend with friends etc, best to sit far from the piano or just go to another bar entirely. Also, seats are rare. The likelihood of you standing up the entire time is quite high especially in the weekend. 

If Marie's Crisis is too crowded or you just want to sit down, other piano bars in the city that I like going to are Duplex (village---2 drink minimum), Monster (village), Townhouse (east side), and Uncle Charlie's (east side.) 

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 9:37am

It really depends on if the “sassy gay” stereotype is your thing. I’m not a fan- don’t come up to my table to take drink orders and say “what are you bitches drinking?!”- but if you like that sort of thing you’ll enjoy this place. I have nothing against it, it’s just not for me.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 10:22am

I've only been there once, and I think the experience totally depends on who you go with - I took a friend who's not into theatre and she was bored and thought it was annoying. I can't remember the night of the week, but it was very crowded (we had to stand) and people were waiting to go in. The bartender did make a joke about my not ordering my martini correctly, but, as adam mentioned above, it's very much in line with the "sassy gay" stereotype.

I'd be willing to go back, but maybe on a weeknight and definitely with someone who's a theatre fan!

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 11:51am

I'll echo a lot of what's been said.  It can be a lot of fun but can get very crowded.  I also tend to enjoy weeknights, and enjoy the happy hour crowd before it gets crazier.  The song choices are a little less mainstream as well at that time (less Phantom, Les Miz, Little Shop, more Sondheim, JRB, etc.) as the pianists know it tends to be a more knowledgeable crowd.

I'd recommend on loading up on singles and pacing yourself on tips.  I know I've tipped a more generous amount to the pianist at one point in the evening with the intent of being my full tip, then had the waitress or singer pause in front of me awkwardly as if I was stiffing him.

Aside from it getting a little too loud and hectic for my tastes, I think it's a great experience.

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 12:14pm

Wick3 said: "... If Marie's Crisis is too crowded or you just want to sit down, other piano bars in the city that I like going to are Duplex (village---2 drink minimum), Monster (village), Townhouse (east side), and Uncle Charlie's (east side.)"

I second Wick3's recommendations.

Townhouse and The Monster are 2 of my favorites for Broadway piano music.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 12:18pm

Marie's Crisis is ok. I've been known to sing my little heart out at The Monster. I haven't done so in awhile. High time I pay a visit. 

[Scott Rosson]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 1:23pm

I’ve been 3 or 4 times and I’ve always had a blast!

[Sondheimite]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 2:01pm

I used to go to Marie's a few times a week.  I loved going until things started to change.  I saw, more than once, women turned away at the door because they were "straight" (and you can find numerous reviews on Yelp that say the same).  There was a female piano players who demanded tips her entire set in a way and made no one want to tip her.  There is a Holier Than Thou attitude that has taken over a lot of the staff and created a really really toxic environment.  I miss how it used to be.  

Updated On: 7/30/18 at 02:01 PM

[skies]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 3:05pm

Always enjoyed Brandy’s (Upper East side).

 

[morosco]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 3:23pm

Marie's Crisis is worth a visit (at least once). You;ll definitely leave there with some fun memories.

[lisap3]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 3:23pm

I adore Marie's Crisis and would say yay, but suggest going on a weeknight. There is still a crowd, but it is much more manageable. I've have never had any of the problems you mentioned.

[Kad]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 3:32pm

I was at Marie's all the time when I moved to the city as a college student ten years ago. I never experienced the rudeness described here. It's definitely a dive, and service is definitely brusque, but never hostile or discriminatory. I had many fantastic nights there and closed the bar down more times than I can recall.

As the place got more recognition thanks to celebrity appearances and write-ups and more straight tourist gawkers came on weekends, the vibe has changed on those busier nights. It's no longer a place for regulars and locals to come together and sing showtunes. I go maybe once a year now.

I get my live showtune fix at Club Cumming in the East Village on Monday nights.

(For what it's worth, I would not send just any out-of-towner to the Townhouse. It's a very... specific kind of place).

Updated On: 7/30/18 at 03:32 PM

[BuddyStarr]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 4:14pm

Kad said: "...(For what it's worth, I would not send just any out-of-towner to the Townhouse. It's a very... specific kind of place)."

LOL, I agree but then again they do have a doorman who has, more than once, not allowed people in or has taken people out (there is a no hat rule)

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 4:21pm

Kad said: "I was at Marie's all the time when I moved to the city as a college student ten years ago. I never experienced the rudeness described here. It's definitely a dive, and service is definitely brusque, but never hostile or discriminatory. I had many fantastic nights there and closed the bar down more times than I can recall.

As the place got more recognition thanks to celebrity appearances and write-ups and morestraight tourist gawkers came on weekends, the vibe has changed on those busier nights. It's no longer a place for regulars and locals to come together and sing showtunes. I go maybe once a year now.

I get my liveshowtune fix at Club Cumming in the East Villageon Monday nights.

(For what it's worth, I would not send just any out-of-towner to the Townhouse. It's a very... specific kind of place)."

Yes...Townhouse is very *ahem* "specific" *ahem* . . . lol

[Skip23]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 4:27pm

Sondheimite said: "I used to go to Marie's a few times a week. I loved going until things started to change. I saw, more than once, women turned away at the door because they were "straight" (and you can find numerous reviews on Yelp that say the same). There was a female piano players who demanded tips her entire set in a way and made no one want to tip her. There is a Holier Than Thou attitude that has taken over a lot of the staff and created a really really toxic environment. I miss how it used to be."

 

YES.  The female piano player is BEYOND obnoxious.   Like she's doing you a big favor by gracing you with her presence.  And demanding Tips.  Get rid of her! 

 

Also:  some (again...SOME) players take LOOONG breaks.  Hell, we go there to sing.  Not to wait for the piano players. 

 

Other than that, it's fun. 

 

And don't forget Rick Unterberg at the Townhouse.  One of NYC's premiere piano bar players.  He makes for a great sing along evening.  And if you're presentable at the Townhouse, they'll let you in.  Generally an older crowd but very welcoming of everyone if you're sane and sensible.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 4:27pm

Bring cash!

Updated On: 7/30/18 at 04:27 PM

[Wildcard]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 4:33pm

It can be a lot of fun but it also strikes me as a bit of a fire trap

[castlestreet]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 4:39pm

Go!
It’s a blast and the “dive” nature I think adds to its charm!

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 7/30/18 at 6:47pm

I LOVE Marie's Crisis and I especially love taking theater lovers there for their first Marie's Crisis experience. However, I also agree that lately the staff has gotten a lot overbearing. But, they seem to be doing it out of exasperation with difficult people. Last time I went a few weeks ago, The guy at the door reminded me that i had to tip the bartender and the piano player. He said it in a nice enough tone that I wasn't bothered by it but afterward I thought hmmm I need to be reminded to tip? But then I thought I guess they have a lot of jerks in this bar who don't tip. 

There are a few signs up behind the pianist reminding people about not taking videos and no flash photography. I have two pictures from Marie's Crisis and both of them are of the pianist making a grimaced face at me. This last time I noticed that the pianist was especially annoyed with all the cellphones and he kept stopping to tell people to stop recording videos. so I tried to take a picture as discreetly as possible with my phone. I was so nervous he would yell at me that I didn't even look at him while I took it, hoping that he wouldn't notice I was taking his picture. When I looked at the picture after I left, he was, of course, grimacing at me. To be fair, I wasn't really taking a picture of HIM, I was taking a picture of the whole atmosphere--the piano, everybody around him, the lights, etc.  I tipped him ten bucks. I didn't appreciate how he kept stopping songs to laugh at an inside joke or to sing out incorrect lyrics as a joke, etc. 

The size of my drink was I would say about maybe 2 shot glasses? and it tasted terrible. 

With all that said, I still had an INCREDIBLE TIME and they managed to have OKLAHOMA, RENT, AND LES MISERABLES while I was there so that was musical theater heaven for me. It was fun to see literally the entire bar know the words to Seasons of Love, and 95% of the bar know the words to One Day More, and then to see only the people over 40 singing along to Oklahoma and the all the young-ins just shrugging their shoulders at us.